Paraphrased Summary:Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has attributed the state’s ongoing political crisis to the failure of its elite, elders, and religious leaders. Speaking at a public lecture commemorating Rivers State’s 58th anniversary, Ibas criticized these groups for taking sides in the conflict between suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, rather than acting as neutral mediators.
Ibas emphasized that the political turmoil has strained state institutions, eroded public trust, and hindered governance. He called for forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity among political leaders to restore peace. Highlighting Rivers State’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy, including a $28.4 billion GDP and over 40% of the nation’s onshore crude oil production, Ibas lamented that the current situation deviates from the state’s founding vision.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for intervening to prevent further anarchy and announced plans to defend the state’s N1.48 trillion budget before the National Assembly’s joint committee overseeing the emergency rule.
Meanwhile, stakeholders from Social Action Nigeria urged for a swift and fair resolution to the crisis, warning that prolonged emergency rule could threaten democratic principles nationwide. They stressed the importance of addressing underlying issues such as political interference, compromised security forces, and weakened legislative independence to ensure lasting stability.
For more details, you can read the full article here: Elite, elders, clerics failed Rivers, says Ibas.
